2011 50: I swapped the RFTS for Conti DWS

[96ce]

I purchased a mint condition 2011 X5 50 with the 20 inch wheel option two weeks ago from a Land Rover dealership in the Atlanta area. The X5 had 13,500 miles when I embarked on the ride home to NYC. While I very much enjoyed the trip, the one complaint I had was the the Bridgestone RFTs were loud at certain speeds and a bit harsh of a ride. Just today, I had a set of Continental DWS non run flat tires installed and I must say the improvement is stunning. The ride is softer (but not mushy) and the X5 just feels so much better. Perhaps my RFTs were worn (14,500 miles on them), but I am so much happier with these tires. I do have to now look into getting a space saver tire / jack kit.

I just wanted to let others who may be thinking of this tire swap, that I believe it is well worth it.

Thanks.

Bruce

[brian5]

Bruce,

There have been a couple of (hundred) posts from those that have swapped out the RFT's and replaced them with non-RFT's and how much more comfortable the ride is, etc. etc.

I didn't buy my X5 for comfort. I have Adaptive Drive and Active Steering and have preferred to keep the handling components "stock" (including the 20" wheels) for both my summer and for my winter wheel+tire sets. I know that I would have a "more comfortable" ride if I hadn't purchased the sport package or if I didn't have 20" wheels or if I didn't have RFT tires but I love the handling just the way it is...

Another thing is that I did not want All-Season tires; primarily because I wanted the best road grip and handling at all times. I understand that one might feel different on this depending on where one lives and how one drives.

[jeremym]

I agree with Brian. I have sport/AD with 19" RFTs and I love it. In "normal"/non-sport mode, the ride is fine. In "sport" mode, the ride stiffens just a bit but it's just enough to allow for more sporty driving. Honestly, I don't have a huge issue with the RFTs. Perhaps it's because I'm on 19"s and not 20"s?

[doni01]

Originally Posted by 96ce

I purchased a mint condition 2011 X5 50 with the 20 inch wheel option two weeks ago from a Land Rover dealership in the Atlanta area. The X5 had 13,500 miles when I embarked on the ride home to NYC. While I very much enjoyed the trip, the one complaint I had was the the Bridgestone RFTs were loud at certain speeds and a bit harsh of a ride. Just today, I had a set of Continental DWS non run flat tires installed and I must say the improvement is stunning. The ride is softer (but not mushy) and the X5 just feels so much better. Perhaps my RFTs were worn (14,500 miles on them), but I am so much happier with these tires. I do have to now look into getting a space saver tire / jack kit.

I just wanted to let others who may be thinking of this tire swap, that I believe it is well worth it.

Thanks.

Bruce

I did the same and very happy with the change. I am sure my suspension is as well. Will never buy RFT for any of my cars. As far as the Jack Kit goes, I purchased mine off e-bay since it was on backorder from all the dealers on line.

[Nick3753]

At 14500 miles there is no doubt the tires were worn. But nonetheless she will ride better on non-runflats.

[5seriesHB]

Im up next
Gonna switch out next week to contis! cant wait...

[DeanLinAZ]

My OEM Bridgestone Run-Flats lasted 20K miles with maybe 2 or 3K left. The OEMs became noisy at about 8K miles and progressively got louder. I finally gave up on them and put on a set of Continental DSW's non run-flats. The X5 was transformed. I could now hear engine noises that had been masked for 10K miles. Purchased the tires (20" stagggered) at Discount Tire for $1200.00+ out the door. I'm smiling.

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by brian5

I didn't buy my X5 for comfort. I have Adaptive Drive and Active Steering and have preferred to keep the handling components "stock" (including the 20" wheels) for both my summer and for my winter wheel+tire sets. I know that I would have a "more comfortable" ride if I hadn't purchased the sport package or if I didn't have 20" wheels or if I didn't have RFT tires but I love the handling just the way it is...

Another thing is that I did not want All-Season tires; primarily because I wanted the best road grip and handling at all times. I understand that one might feel different on this depending on where one lives and how one drives.

I didn't buy my X5 for comfort, either. To me, the improvement in ride with non-RFT on 20s was from brittle and harsh to typical-before-RFT-BMW taught, which was a nice side-effect as my primary motivation for the switch was all-season tires (Toyos in my case). Yes, dry grip is slightly reduced with all-seasons as indicated by the stability control light going on from time (never did with the OEM Dunlop RFTs), but as these are not sports cars, it was an easy sacrifice for being able to use the SUV in all weather.

[brian5]

Alan,

As I said, it depends on where you live and how you drive. You're in LA area. Where I live, it gets hot and it gets cold plus we get snow (nothing like the more northern states or Canada though). I will probably always have a summer set and a winter set unless my winters don't get below 35 (I am considering relocating).

[BGM]

I got 22K miles out of my Dunlop Sport Maxx 20" RFTs. Switched to the Bridgeston Dueler RFTs last Labor Day and those are rated higher to 35K miles I believe. I have the 3rd row seat so no spare so RFT is my only option. But even if that wasn't the case, BMW engineers the handling characteristics around the OEM tires (Dunlop and Bridgestone)--these are heavy vehicles and the RFTs having a stiffer sidewall assist in the handling dynamic and set-up. And I've never had noises issues with either tire.